Croatia, Dalmatian Coast
The Magistrala hugs bare karst cliffs above island studded blue water for hours.
Length
180 km
In miles
111.8 mi
Driving time
5 hr 38 min
Atlas rating
9.4 / 10
The run
Senj to Zadar, following the D8. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Bura winds can close exposed sections in winter
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 14 June 2026
Nearby
17 km away
Mali Alan Pass
A wild Velebit crossing of endless hairpins between the Zrmanja canyon and the sea.
66 km away
Krka Zagora Road
Empty inland karst roads swing past waterfalls and abandoned stone hamlets.
86 km away
Plitvice Forest Road, D52
Deserted forest curves through the Lika highlands towards the famous lakes.
128 km away
Gorski Kotar Forest Road
Deep green fir forest and cool switchbacks in Croatia's most alpine corner.
146 km away
Ucka Pass Road
A hairpin climb over the Ucka massif with the whole Kvarner gulf laid out below.
172 km away
Sveti Jure Road
A single track climb from sea level to 1762 metres above the Makarska Riviera.
Drive here from